So, you’re looking at the 15 day forecast for Hilton Head and wondering if you should pack a swimsuit or a parka. Honestly? Probably both. Hilton Head Island in January is a bit of a wildcard. One day you’re walking Coligny Beach in a light hoodie, and the next, you’re watching the wind whip through the palmettos while the thermometer struggles to hit 45.
It’s currently Sunday night, January 18, 2026. If you’re outside right now, it’s a crisp 38°F, but that wind coming from the west makes it feel like 30°F. We just came off a day of solid rain, but the clouds have cleared out.
The Next 48 Hours: Sunny but Sharp
Tomorrow, Monday the 19th, is looking like a classic Lowcountry winter day. It’ll be sunny with a high of 51°F. That’s basically the "goldilocks" zone for golfers who don't mind a little chill. Just keep in mind that the low tonight is dropping to 33°F, so don't be surprised if there's a thin layer of frost on the windshield if you’re heading out to Harbour Town early.
By Tuesday, we nudge up a degree to 52°F. It'll stay mostly clear, though a few clouds might roll in later.
Looking Toward the Weekend: A Mid-Week Warmup
If you’re waiting for that "balmy" Southern weather, Wednesday and Thursday are your best bets in this 15 day forecast for Hilton Head.
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- Wednesday (Jan 21): We hit 59°F. Cloudy, sure, but much softer air.
- Thursday (Jan 22): The peak of the week at 62°F. It’s the kind of day where the locals actually come out of hibernation.
But don't get too comfortable. The humidity starts climbing back up toward 65%, and by Friday, we’re looking at a mostly cloudy sky with light rain possible overnight.
Why the Hilton Head 15 Day Forecast is Doing Something Weird
Here is the part people usually miss. We are currently in a La Niña cycle for the 2025-2026 winter. Historically, that means the Carolinas stay drier than usual, but this year has been an outlier. We’ve already seen reports of rare snow flurries moving through Georgia and parts of the South.
The Snow-Rain Mix (Yes, Really)
Check out next weekend. Saturday, January 24, shows a high of 49°F, but the real story is the overnight. We’re looking at a "rain and snow" mix with a 35% chance of precipitation. On Hilton Head? It sounds crazy, but the northeast wind is going to be kicking at 18 mph, pulling in that cold Atlantic moisture.
Sunday, January 25, continues that trend with a 45% chance of a snow/rain mix during the day and a 65% chance at night. If you've ever seen snow on a palm tree, you know it's a surreal sight, but it usually doesn't stick for more than an hour or two.
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The Late-January Deep Freeze
As we move into the final days of the month, the mercury takes a dive.
- Monday (Jan 26): 47°F and partly sunny.
- Tuesday (Jan 27): 48°F with some clouds.
- Wednesday (Jan 28): A chilly 45°F, with the overnight low hitting 30°F.
Basically, the end of January is going to be "invigorating."
Expert Take: Is the Water Swim-Ready?
Short answer: No. Unless you’re a "Polar Bear Plunge" enthusiast or wearing a 4/3mm wetsuit. The water temperature at Coligny Beach is hovering around 57°F. Even with the sun out, that water will take your breath away—and not in the romantic way.
Local meteorologists, like Andrew Gorton, often point out that our coastal location usually keeps us a few degrees warmer than Bluffton or Savannah, but when those Arctic fronts move in, the ocean breeze actually makes the "feels like" temp much lower.
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Actionable Advice for Your Trip
If you are visiting in the next two weeks, you need to pivot your expectations. Forget the tan; focus on the "Lowcountry Calm."
- Layering is everything: A windbreaker over a fleece is the local uniform. The wind off the Calibogue Sound is no joke.
- Tide Watching: New moons (like the one on Jan 18) bring higher tides. If you're planning a beach walk, check the charts so you don't get cornered against the dunes.
- Indoor Backup: If that snow/rain mix on the 25th holds true, have a plan for the Coastal Discovery Museum or some shopping at Shelter Cove.
The 15 day forecast for Hilton Head shows a lot of movement, from 62-degree sunshine to freezing overnight lows. It’s a great time for birdwatching and uncrowded trails, just make sure you have a warm coat for those 30-degree nights.
To prepare for the upcoming chill, check your outdoor pipes if you own property on the island, and pack a heavy sweater for any outdoor dining—most patios have heaters, but they'll be working overtime this week.